AFE Early Bird Registration Deadline Looming

February 25th, 2010

Hong KongIn its third year, the Asia Funeral Expo (AFE) 2010 is an event that the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) jointly organize with Vertical Expo in Hong Kong. AFE features funeral industry products and services, from caskets, burial vaults, urns to memorial products, embalming equipment, incineration equipment, cold storage equipment, software for virtual funeral services, garments, cosmetics, memorial products, hearse, funeral products for pets, cemetery services, and education and training services for professional funeral practices.

Almost 2,000 buyers from 43 countries attended the 2009 show that featured 150 exhibitors, including 6 from the U.S. About 50 percent of the exhibitors at the 2009 show concluded sales on site. For the 2010 show, funeral industry professionals from Mongolia, Malaysia, West Indies, South Africa, Singapore, Philippines, China, the U.S. and many European countries have already confirmed their attendance.

Hong Kong’s demographics and shortage of land suggests an increasing demand for funeral services. Cultural preferences notwithstanding, adaptive U.S. service providers will be able to help meet this demand. Hong Kong’s population is aging fast: 12 percent of the population is aged 65 and above at 871,600 in 2008. This number is expected to exceed one million by 2015 and two million by 2025.

A series of seminars on the funeral industry will run concurrently with the trade show.

There are 2 types of registration in AFE 2010:

1. Expo & Conference

  • Full Access of 3 Show Days
  • Conferences
  • International Reception and other networking activities
  • Site Visit (venue and facility to be confirmed)
  • Free Show Catalogue
  • Free Business Matching Services
  • Free Market Intelligence
  • Registration Fee: USD 450 / person

Register on or before 26 Feb 2010, you can enjoy an Early Bird Special Rate USD 349 / person! If your group consists of 10 people or above, please contact ASE directly for special arrangement.

2. Expo only

  • Full Access of 3 Show Days
  • Free Business Matching Services
  • Free Market Intelligence
  • Registration Fee: USD 50 / person
  • If you cannot complete the registration online, please kindly fill in the Visitor Pre-Registration Form and send it by email (afe@verticalexpo.com) or fax (+852-2528-0072).

Contact us for more details:
Email: afe@verticalexpo.com

Tel: (852) 2528 0079 Mr. Eric Chow (Hong Kong)
(852) 2528 0275 Ms. Lainie Man (Hong Kong)

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Why Should You Attend an Accredited College for a Funeral Services Career?

February 24th, 2010
Get a diploma from an accredited institution for better job opportunities.

Get a diploma from an accredited institution for better job opportunities.

Many jobs in the funeral industry seek candidates who have a college education. While seeking a higher degree is commendable for any student, the choice of attending an accredited college, especially for the funeral industry, is imperative in your path to find a job or to build a career. Why should you seek an accredited college for your funeral career, and why is it so important?

First, an accredited college is a college that seeks confirmation from an accrediting agency to approve a program, its components, and the degree or certification. The United States has no Federal Ministry of Education or other centralized authority exercising single national control over post-secondary educational institutions in this country. The States assume varying degrees of control over education, but, in general, institutions of higher education are permitted to operate with considerable independence and autonomy. As a consequence, American educational institutions can vary widely in the character and quality of their programs.

While the U.S. Department of Education does not accredit educational institutions and/or programs, the Secretary of Education is required by law to publish a list of nationally recognized accrediting agencies that the Secretary determines to be reliable authorities as to the quality of education or training provided by the institutions of higher education and the higher education programs they accredit. This accreditation in the U.S. serves the purpose of helping students find a reliable and recognized college as well as help to avoid “diploma mills.”

There are two basic types of educational accreditation, one identified as “institutional” and one referred to as “specialized” or “programmatic.” Institutional accreditation normally applies to an entire institution, indicating that each of an institution’s parts is contributing to the achievement of the institution’s objectives, although not necessarily all at the same level of quality. Specialized or programmatic accreditation normally applies to programs, departments, or schools that are parts of an institution. The accredited unit may be as large as a college or school within a university or as small as a curriculum within a discipline.

Most of the specialized or programmatic accrediting agencies review units within an institution of higher education that is accredited by one of the regional accrediting commissions. However, certain accrediting agencies also accredit professional schools and other specialized or vocational institutions of higher education that are free-standing in their operations. Thus, a “specialized ” or “programmatic ” accrediting agency may also function in the capacity of an “institutional ” accrediting agency. In addition, a number of specialized accrediting agencies accredit educational programs within non-educational settings, such as hospitals.

In the funeral industry, the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE) is the only organization in the United States which represents faculty and administrators in the field of funeral service education. Additionally, ABFSE is the sole accrediting agency for funeral service education in the U.S. recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

The ABFSE’s origins reach back to 1946 when its predecessor organization was founded as the Joint Committee on Mortuary Education by joint resolutions of the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards of the United States (ICFSEB [renamed the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards in 1998]), and with the concurrence of the several associations of schools and colleges involved with funeral service/mortuary science education. The original authority of the Joint Committee included “setting up standards concerning the schools and colleges teaching mortuary science” and accrediting “schools and colleges of Mortuary Science…”

In 1959, the name of the Joint Committee on Mortuary Education was changed to its current name — the American Board of Funeral Service Education. In 1962, authority for the accreditation of all funeral service programs and institutions was assigned to ABFSE. A Commission on Schools was established within ABFSE in 1970 to deal exclusively with the accreditation of member institutions. Soon thereafter, in 1978, the Commission on Schools was changed to an autonomous, self-perpetuating committee of the ABFSE designated as the Committee on Accreditation (COA).

The COA is responsible for granting candidacy, initial accreditation, or re-accreditation to institutions of funeral service education. The minimum requirements for accreditation are that a program offer at least an associate degree, or its equivalent (i.e., 60 semester credits of a prescribed curriculum) and meet the required standards of the ABFSE. The Standards and associated policies are available on the ABFSE website (www.abfse.org). They may be accessed and downloaded by clicking on “About ABFSE” and “ABFSE Standards.”

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Virginia Morris, Eldercare Expert, to Speak in Virginia

February 23rd, 2010

EldercareVirginia Morris, a nationally recognized authority on eldercare and author of How to Care for Aging Parents, will lead a discussion entitled “Our Parents, Our Selves: The Later Years” on March 19 at 2:00 in Culbreth Theater at the University of Virginia.

Ms. Morris will discuss how families can effectively engage in the difficult but necessary conversations about legal, financial and medical plans for aging parents and spouses. Her main message is “Plan ahead. If we could simply get people to think about all this sooner, to plan for it even a little bit, we could ease the strains enormously.”

Almost forty-four million Americans attend to the health care needs of a relative or another person.

Morris will set an optimistic yet realistic tone as she guides the audience through the morass of emotions and practical information which should be addressed among family members.

She emphasizes the importance of helping one’s parents retain independence and self respect while taking care of oneself.

Lois Shepherd, author of If That Ever Happens to Me: Making Life and Death Decisions After Terry Schiavo, will moderate this session. Ms. Shepherd is an associate professor in the Center for Biomedical Ethics and Humanities, UVA Health System.

The Institute on Aging organized the session, which will be presented at the Virginia Festival of the Book. The program is sponsored by Genworth Financial and co-hosted by the Senior Center.

This free presentation and discussion takes place from 2:00 – 4:00 at the Culbreth Theater at the University of Virginia. There is no admission fee, but please RSVP at either “uvaging @ virginia.edu” (remove spaces and quotes) or (434) 243-5695 to reserve your space. The theater address is 109 Culbreth Road.

The University of Virginia Institute on Aging: The primary mission of the Institute on Aging is to understand and enhance the aging process throughout the human lifespan. The Institute acts as a catalyst and coordinator for interdisciplinary research, education, and service programs. For further information, please visit the Institute’s website at http://www.virginia.edu/aginginstitute/. A podcast of this event will be available on Institute website soon after her presentation.

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Educational Statistics for Funeral Services Careers

February 22nd, 2010

Skull Tombstone

Over the past 40 or 50 years, there have been significant changes in the profiles of both the institutions offering funeral service education and the students studying to become funeral directors/embalmers. Who studies for a funeral service career, and how much can individuals make in this field?

Two generations ago, funeral service education was offered almost exclusively by private institutions and virtually 100 percent of the students were male and, for the most part, sons of funeral home owners. Over 90 percent of the students were Caucasian. Most programs offered a diploma or a certificate that lasted less than a year, some as little as three months.

Today, according to statistics offered by the  American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE), there are approximately 6500 students enrolled in funeral service education. Approximately 2500 are new students. Approximately 90 percent of these students come from the 31 states that currently offer a program.

Today female students make up a majority (57 percent) of enrollees. White students make up approximately 66 percent of the total while African Americans are 23 percent, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, and Asian

Americans are up four percent, and eight percent identify themselves as from other ethnic backgrounds.

The average age of the new student has remained relatively constant over the past decade with 17-22 year-olds making up 36 percent of new students and those over 30 making up 30 percent.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wages for funeral directors were $52,210 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $38,980 and $69,680 and the lowest 10 percent earned less than $29,910 and the top 10 percent earned more than $92,940.

Salaries of funeral directors depend on the number of years of experience in funeral service, the number of services performed, the number of facilities operated, the area of the country, and the director’s level of formal education. Funeral directors in large cities usually earn more than their counterparts in small towns and rural areas.

According to BLS, funeral directors held about 22,000 wage-and-salary jobs in 2005, but many others were self-employed. Most of the self-employment positions are in small family-run funeral homes. BLS projects employment of funeral directors is expected to increase by 12 percent during the 2008-18 decade. As more people opt for cremation, some of the services that funeral directors provide, such as embalming, are less needed. Projected job growth reflects growth in the death care services industry overall due to the aging of the population.

Additionally, many funeral directors now offer a wider range of services—such as the creation of video tributes—to help people say goodbye to their loved ones in special ways. And several thousand jobs will be available to replace workers who leave the occupation permanently. Funeral directors are older, on average, than workers in most other occupations and are expected to retire in greater numbers over the coming decade. In addition, some funeral directors leave the profession because of the long and irregular hours. Job prospects may also be better for some mortuary science graduates who can relocate to get a job.

These employment opportunities tend to be best for workers who are willing to relocate or for those in large metropolitan areas. However, according to the American Board of Funeral Service Education, on a national basis there are generally more jobs available than there are licensed funeral directors to fill them. This availability varies from region to region and from town to town. Funeral service is a profession that most people enter only after having had positive personal experience and not as a result of reading books or watching videos.

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Education Requirements and Licensing for the Funeral Industry

February 21st, 2010
Columbia Funeral Home in Seattle, Washington.

Columbia Funeral Home in Seattle, Washington.

If you are seeking a career opportunity in the funeral industry, you have numerous sources available to you to learn about educational requirements and licensing. The following information includes a summary of basic educational requirements for most states. You always can contact the funeral service college or check this list of State Funeral Directors Associations at the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) to learn more about specific education guidelines for each state.

With career opportunities in over 20,000 funeral homes across the U.S., you may find a need for a well-trained funeral service professional. Demand is greater for graduates who have prepared themselves for management positions by selecting business and communications courses as part of their college program.

Generally, you will need:

  • A high school diploma or equivalent (GED).
  • An Associate Degree, or its credit hour equivalent, a portion of which is in funeral service education, from an accredited educational institution.
  • Passing a state and/or national board licensing examination.
  • An internship or apprenticeship ranging from one to three years.
  • Many states require that funeral directors meet continuing education requirements to maintain licensure. (See State Boards and Licensing Requirements Information)

The funeral service curriculum, approved by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE), the United States’ funeral service accrediting agency, includes courses in:

  • Public Health and Technical Area — microbiology, anatomy, chemistry, pathology, restorative art and embalming.
  • Business Management Area — business management, funeral arranging, funeral merchandising, funeral home management, computer applications, Federal Trade Commission Funeral Rule and accounting.
  • Social Science Area — sociology of funeral service, psychology of grief, funeral directing, history of funeral service, communication skills and counseling.
  • Legal, Regulatory and Ethical Area — business law, funeral service law and regulation and professional ethics.

To learn more about current jobs available in the funeral industry, visit the newest jobs available list at the NFDA’s Funeral Career Center.

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A Viking Funeral? Doubtful.

February 17th, 2010
The ship burial of the Viking ruler Igor the Old in Kievan Rus by Heinrich Semiradzki (1845-1902).

The ship burial of the Viking ruler Igor the Old in Kievan Rus by Heinrich Semiradzki (1845-1902).

Jeff Conaway wants a Viking funeral, but — if you read the story linked here closely — you may learn that Conaway has some personal issues and he may not be touching reality on a regular basis. Funeral directors and the Environmental Protection Agency tremble at the thought of a Viking funeral, and the possibility that a funeral with a flaming boat is possible is highly unlikely. Why? Simply because of logistics and the law.

Most people, when they envision a Viking funeral, think of a hero lying in a boat, pushed out to sea, and the boat set aflame by a well-marked arrow. Within minutes, the boat and the body are burned to ash, symbolizing the Phoenix, where the hero’s spirit rises above the flames to live eternally.

First, this vision is scientifically impossible, as it would take more than a few minutes and a flame hotter than that caused by a quickly burning boat to disintegrate a body. Even in a normal crematory process, temperatures of 760° to 1150°C (1400° to 2100°F) are required for one to two hours to cremate a ‘normal’ body. Larger bodies take longer. the most damage that a few minutes on a burning boat could do is burn the flesh away, revealing bones and muscle tissue.

Further, it has become more difficult and expensive to conduct an ocean funeral — even one that does not include a flaming boat. Most requirements for a full-body burial at sea (not scattering ashes) include a shroud or biodegradable coffin, no embalming — which means the body must be buried at sea as soon as possible — and a toe tag in case the body accidentally washes up on shore one day in the near future. If a biodegradable coffin is used, it usually must be drilled with holes to allow water in and must be weighted with about four-hundredweight of iron chain or concrete to try to keep the coffin from floating in to shore somewhere.

Additionally, some religions do not favor a burial at sea, including the Catholic Church. Burial at sea in a casket or in an urn is approved for cases where the deceased expired in the sea, however, and the committal prayer number 406§4 is used in this case:

Lord God,
by the power of your Word
you stilled the chaos of the primeval seas,
you made the raging waters of the Flood subside,
and calmed the storm on the sea of Galilee.
As we commit the body (earthly remains)

of our brother (sister) N. to the deep,
grant him/her peace and tranquility
until that day when he/she

and all who believe in you
will be raised to the glory of new life
promised in the waters of baptism.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.

Other religions might feel somewhat lenient about burials at sea, with consultation before the fact. The Anglican Communion, however, has detailed procedures for burial at sea, because many Anglican and other religious chaplains of the Royal Navy buried cremated remains of ex-Naval personnel at sea. The ship has to be stopped, and the body has to be sewn in sailcloth, together with two cannon balls for weight. Many Lutheran naval veterans and seamen also prefer to be buried at sea. In those cases either the casket or urn is set to sea, or ashes scattered. The procedure is similar as that with Anglican. Some parishes have specific consecrated sea areas, where ashes can be sprinkled.

California, with its long coastline, is the only U.S. State that does not permit full body burials at sea. The Environmental Protection Agency does carry regulations for full body burials at sea in the United States. Some of those requirements include a distance of at least three nautical miles from land and in water at least 600 feet deep. Certain areas, including east central Florida, the Dry Tortugas, Florida and west of Pensacola, Florida to the Mississippi River Delta, require water at least 1800 feet deep. Refer to the Code of Federal Regulations at 40 CFR 229.1 (PDF) for further details. Additionally, “all necessary measures shall be taken to ensure that the remains sink to the bottom rapidly and permanently.”

If you plan to dispose of a body illegally, read the information at Wikipedia about illegal disposal of bodies in water. According to that article, disposal in large lakes or oceans is more likely to hide the body, but a decomposing body can develop a strong positive buoyancy due to the decomposing gases being trapped underneath the skin. This may bring the body up to the surface, or at least increase the movement across the ocean floor due to wave actions. Many bodies have washed up at the shore (think about the caskets washed up on the Mississippi shore from New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina). Bodies have also been discovered in the nets or lines of fishermen, and occasionally, bodies are also discovered by divers.

Additionally, very cold water with little oxygen may preserve bodies, considering Margaret Hogg, the Wasdale Lady in the Lake in Wast Water lake in the Wasdale area. She was found after 8 years, with her body preserved like wax.

Viking funeral? Maybe symbolically, but the reality of sending a full body out to sea and setting it on fire to dispose of the body is somewhat mythical and impractical, most likely illegal and a tad bit egoistic.

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Deathcare Careers: Embalmers and Education

February 16th, 2010
Early embalming tools.

Early embalming tools.

According to Gary Laderman in his book, Rest in Peace, there are no statistical data for the number of bodies embalmed in the early decades of the twentieth century. However, according to many second- and third-generation funeral directors, embalming rapidly became a standard feature of the undertaking work performed by their predecessors. Even before funeral homes existed, embalming often was practiced at the home of the deceased.

From the time of the Civil War forward, more and more funeral men began to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to be certified as embalmers from the rapidly growing number of mortuary schools around the country. Between 1900 and 1920, schools devoted to training embalmers — “students often entered a class without much college or even high school education” — appeared in cities such as Minneapolis, Los Angeles and Cleveland.

Courses in these schools normally would last roughly six weeks. But, as curriculum requirements became more rigorous, state boards began to examine and license prospective embalmers and funeral directors and the overall appearance of serious educational training became more critical for professional legitimacy. School term lengths increased and subjects such as anatomy and chemistry became crucial components of an embalmer’s education. By 1934, courses began to last for nine months.

Unfortunately, at that time, rural areas had to rely on traveling instructors, or use educational texts that covered the basics of anatomy, physiology and embalming techniques. One funeral director from 1914 detailed his experience in Laderman’s book:

“There were no embalming schools in the early days. One learned from practical men or proctors, who had learned from peripheral men who became undertakers after the close of the Civil War. In the late ’90s and the early 1900’s, short courses were offered by men will versed in mortuary practice as learned from those  who served during the Civil War. These courses were offered over a period of one month or six weeks. Then, compends…were prepared and printed for reference for the beginners, and it covered anatomy and a lot of things like that.”

Despite this lack of schooling, embalming became the “enduring signature of the nascent funeral industry, a practice at the center of the economic, cultural and religious funereal universe…” Embalming had become the lifeblood of the American funeral industry from the beginning of the twentieth century forward. Embalming was presented as a thoroughly modern practice, yet part of a new American tradition. It had religious value for the living and it was a highly technical, hygienically-beneficial intervention that required the delicate skills of an artist.

Today, formal classroom time in the art and science of embalming and restorative art remains quite short. Post-graduate learning is limited to seminars — if and when they are available. Publications for the embalmer are very scarce. the American Society of Embalmers knows of five embalming associations in the United States, only three of which serve an entire state…

Only one journal is now in regular print for embalmers — and a portion of that journal is devoted to topics for the funeral director — since this journal is a fluid manufacturer’s “house organ” a majority of the articles discusses only their products. Seminars are infrequent and not always convenient for the embalmer to attend due to the work schedule. To this writer’s knowledge there are only four embalmers trade associations in the United States (and two are within the same state) which have been in existence for over 10 years. Smaller groups possibly exist within local communities. There is an international association of embalmers with a North American division — it has made a concerted effort to provide educational opportunities for the embalmer.

Is embalming taking a back seat to current American outlooks about death, the increase in cremations and the new interest in green funerals? How do you feel about embalming, and do you feel more education in this field is necessary?

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2010 NFDA Resource Catalog Available

February 14th, 2010

CasketThe National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) has released its 2010 Resource Catalog. Packed with essential tools to help funeral directors strengthen their business operations, educate staff and enhance service to families, this year’s catalog features product sets on a variety of topics, including business operations and aftercare, which offer savings of up to $50.

In addition to consumer brochures, a wide variety of informational and educational materials and specialty NFDA items, the catalog features NFDA Home Study courses that enable funeral directors to earn continuing education (CE) hours without leaving their home or office. Presented by trusted experts and approved for CE hours by the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice and most state licensing boards, Home Study courses are available in book, CD (audio), CD-ROM (audio and visual) and DVD formats. NFDA members can purchase many Home Study courses for less than $100, which includes the product (e.g., book, CD) and CE question set.

This year’s catalog features nine new Home Study books that are accredited for up to 10 CE hours:

  • Building Customer Loyalty From the Inside Out (10 CE hours). Practical tips and compelling examples that provide powerful guidelines for creating customer loyalty. Author: Debra J. Schmidt.
  • Capitalizing on Kindness: Why 21st Century Professionals Need to Be Nice (10 CE hours). Five powerful tools, based on kindness, that can help ensure individual and business success. Author: Kristin Tillquist.
  • The Eight Building Blocks for Creating a Sustainable, Closely-Held Company (10 CE hours). Challenges family-business owners to move outside their comfort zone to create and sustain business success. Author: D. Wayne Rivers.
  • Family Business (10 CE hours). Learn about the knowledge and skills needed for the successful management of family businesses; illustrates ways to achieve sustained growth and continuity through generations. Author: Ernesto J. Poza.
  • 100 Ways to Motivate Others (10 CE hours). In an entertaining style, this book presents proven ways to motivate staff members, thereby ensuring business success. Author: Steve Chandler.
  • Boom! 7 choices for Blowing the Doors Off Business-as-Usual (10 CE hours). Presents seven key life choices to help professionals put enthusiasm and passion back into their work and their workplace. Author: Kevin and Jackie Freiberg.
  • Think Like a Marketer (10 CE hours). Presents a new approach to marketing to help business owners ensure marketing gets done and gets results. Author: Lauron Sonnier.
  • Understanding Your Suicide Grief (10 CE hours). Helps those left behind understand their normal and necessary, yet unique, grief journey. Author: Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D.
  • Cry Until You Laugh: Comforting Guidance for Coping with Grief (10 CE hours). Blends gentle humor with practical advice for the bereaved and the professionals who support them; confronts myths about grief. Author: Richard J. Obershaw.

In addition, funeral professionals will find several 2009 NFDA Teleconferences, Web Seminars and convention workshops presented as Home Study courses:

  • “Ethical Thinking in Today’s World” (4 CE hours). Explores ethical responsibility and the benefits of ethical behavior; provides guidelines to help funeral directors make the ethical choice. Presenter: Chris Kuhnen.
  • “Does Formaldehyde Cause Cancer? How NFDA’s Formaldehyde Best Management Practices can Protect You” (4 CE hours). Reviews recent findings on formaldehyde health risks; reviews NFDA’s Formaldehyde Best Management Practices; includes information about new, toxin-free embalming products. Presenters: Carol Green and Edward Ranier.
  • “FTC Funeral Rule Staff Training” (4 CE hours). Provides an overview of the FTC Funeral Rule compliance requirements, with special attention given to phone inquiries, third-party merchandise and avoiding violations during “undercover shops.” Presenters: T. Scott Gilligan and Craig Tregillus.
  • “GPL Funeral Packages – Doing Them Right” (4 CE hours). Explores the ways funeral packages can be presented to consumers in a manner that is compliant with the FTC Funeral Rule. Presenter: T. Scott Gilligan.
  • “With the Push to Cremate: 5 Reasons to Encourage a Viewing and Ritual” (4 CE hours). Reviews ways funeral directors can communicate the value of viewing and ritual to families that choose direct cremation. Presenters: Susan J. Zonnebelt-Smeenge and Robert C. DeVries.
  • “Prepare for the New Employment Regulations” (4 CE hours). Reviews major employment regulations with which funeral homes must comply; special attention given to common violations. Presenter: Stephanie Peters.

The 2010 NFDA Resources Catalog was mailed with the February issue of The Director, but funeral professionals can also download a PDF from www.nfda.org/resources or call NFDA at 800-228-6332 for a free copy. All NFDA resources, including the new Home Study offerings, can be accessed and ordered by visiting www.nfda.org/resources or calling NFDA at 800-228-6332.

NFDA is the world’s leading funeral service association, serving 19,000 individual members who represent more than 10,200 funeral homes in the United States and internationally. From its headquarters in Brookfield, Wis., and its Advocacy office in Washington, D.C., NFDA informs, educates and advocates to help members enhance the quality of service they provide to families. For more information, visit www.nfda.org.

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Does the Name “Sleepy Hollow” Ring Any Bells?

February 7th, 2010
The Headless Horseman Pursuing Ichabod Crane (1858) by John Quidor.

The Headless Horseman Pursuing Ichabod Crane (1858) by John Quidor.

Historic Sleepy Hollow Cemetery is well known for its famous and infamous residents. Residing there are a notorious counterfeiter, wealthy merchants, powerful industrialists like Andrew Carnegie and William Rockefeller, and Washington Irving, author of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”

Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, that “Sleepy” place which serves as the backdrop to Washington Irving’s short story, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”, is largely just that — a quiet and sleepy resting place where little seems to ever change.

Following the Pocantico River as it meanders through the pristine terrain of the cemetery, you may begin to feel as though you are in a place lost in a time long gone. You might easily imagine Ichabod Crane following this very path in the legendary story.

But on April 3, 2010, this “Sleepy” place will come alive as the entire community gathers to celebrate its 160th Anniversary, as well as the birthday of namesake, Washington Irving. Join with residents, dignitaries, and esteemed guests to recognize the great contribution Sleepy Hollow Cemetery has made to Americana.

The celebration begins at 11:00 a.m. in the Washington Irving Chapel, with the presentation of a Proclamation to the Cemetery Board. The Proclamation will recognize Sleepy Hollow Cemetery’s many contributions, as well as its inclusion in the New York State Register of Historic Places. Then the party gets going with birthday cake in honor of Sleepy Hollow Cemetery and Washington Irving. After all, it’s a birthday!!!

There will be refreshments, free tours to visit famous sites throughout the cemetery, “Legend” readings at the grave of Washington Irving, and much more.

For updated information about this event, the Community Mausoleum or Natural Burial, please visit the website at: http://www.sleepyhollowcemetery.org

Sleepy Hollow Cemetery 160th Anniversary Celebration
Cost: FREE
Date: April 3, 2010
Time: 11AM
Location: Enter Main Cemetery Gate on Route 9. 540 N. Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, N.Y. 10591

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Ellie’s Eco Home Store Greens Up Funeral Industry

February 4th, 2010
Natures Casket

Natures Casket

Creating a convenient one-stop shop for eco-friendly home and garden, office and building products, Ellie’s Eco Home Store opened its doors for sustainable business in November 2008. This week, Ellie’s announces a partnership with Natural Transitions, a local non-profit resource, and Nature’s Casket, a manufacturer of eco-friendly caskets made from Colorado beetle-kill pine.

“In a typical 10-acre section of cemetery, the grounds contain enough coffin wood to construct 40 houses, nearly 1,000 tons of casket steel, 20,000 tons of vault concrete, and enough toxic embalming fluid to fill a backyard swimming pool, which eventually leaches into ground water, according to the book Grave Matters, written in 2007 by Mark Harris,” says Steve Savage, Ellie’s President and Founder.

“We are extremely pleased to be working with Natural Transitions (www.naturaltransitions.org), which helps clients go through a troubling time with ease and comfort,” says Savage. “Natural Transitions also guides clients through many alternatives and makes recommendations on how to make their experience less caustic to the environment.”

“Our mission is to educate and support families who choose to care for their loved one, helping them to make choices that are more meaningful, affordable, and environmentally conscious,” says Karen Van Vuuren, President of Natural Transitions, based in Boulder.

Natural Caskets (www.naturescasket.com), based in Longmont, CO, makes beautiful, natural caskets using Colorado beetle-kill pine that is sustainably harvested, helping to reduce fire risk by removing dead trees from the forest. “Our goal at Nature’s Casket is to provide affordable, simple yet elegant eco-caskets with a minimal environmental footprint. We start with beautiful blue-stained pine, from lodgepole pine killed in the pine beetle epidemic. We produce our caskets in a facility powered with wind credits. All caskets are made with non-toxic materials approved by the Green Burial Council. And our caskets are 100 percent biodegradable,” says Luc Nadeau, President of Nature’s Casket.

According to Savage, “When I identify an industry with a poor environmental record, I do what I can to change that. Also, the pet segment of this industry is the fastest growing category in the funeral business. This is a perfect solution for your beloved pet as well,” adds Savage.

Ellie’s Eco Home Store strives to be the nation’s leader in environmental and educational resource for shoppers. Ellie’s unites the importance of creating a healthy home with the convenience of one-stop shopping. More information at www.elliesecohomestore.com.

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